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Astigmatism2022-11-07T11:58:12+00:00

Astigmatism is a common eye problem that causes blurred vision at all distances

We can correct this condition with the latest vision correction treatments

Astigmatism is a common eye problem that causes blurred vision at all distances

We can correct this condition with the latest vision correction treatments

If you have astigmatism, laser eye surgery can help

Dr Ring explains how we map the cornea and determine suitability when treating astigmatism

Fix your astigmatism and enjoy visual freedom

Discover more about this condition and how we treat it

Astigmatism is a very common condition caused by imperfections within the eye. Typically, the cornea – the eye’s window – is shaped like a rugby ball rather than a round soccer ball shape.

Astigmatism causes blurred vision at all distances. It can make many tasks more difficult – from close work like reading to distance tasks like driving or watching television. Because of this, many people with astigmatism suffer sore or tired eyes from over-straining them. Headaches are also a common symptom.

Unlike short-sightedness (which only affects distance vision) and long-sightedness (which mainly affects close-up vision), astigmatism affects both distance and close vision. So if you notice objects at all distances seem blurry, this may be the reason.

It is thought that the condition is inherited, so you are more likely to be astigmatic if one or both of your parents has the condition. However, it can also occur as a result of an eye injury that causes scarring on the cornea and may also come about due to the eye condition keratoconus.

Understanding astigmatism

To understand the condition, it first helps to understand how the eye works.

Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by an imperfection in the eye – usually in the cornea (the clear, front ‘window’ of the eye), but sometimes in the lens. The imperfection changes the way your eye focuses the light rays that pass into it. This can happen when:

  • The cornea is an oval ‘rugby ball’ shape rather than a round soccer ball shape.
  • The lens is an oval ‘rugby ball shape’ rather than a round ‘soccer ball shape.

When either of these imperfections occurs, it means the light that enters your eye doesn’t have a single point focus. This makes objects at all distances look blurry.

Compare the two images below:

Normal vision
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Astigmatism vision
Astigmatism vision

We can diagnose astigmatism with a comprehensive eye examination performed by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist.

This involves testing the vision and checking the refraction, which shows how the eye bends light.

At Eye Institute, we offer LASIK as a treatment for astigmatism. It’s the safest and most advanced laser eye surgery available in New Zealand.

Astigmatism was previously untreatable with surgery. Particularly in the case of severe astigmatism, glasses and contact lenses were the only options. However, thanks to the advanced laser eye surgery now available, many people can now enjoy permanent vision correction and freedom from the hassles of glasses and contacts.

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is caused by either the cornea or the natural lens being a ‘rugby ball’ shape rather than a round shape like ‘soccer ball’.

How does astigmatism affect the vision?

The vision can be blurry for both distance and close up.

How is astigmatism corrected without surgery?

Glasses or contact lenses can correct astigmatism.

Can laser eye surgery correct astigmatism?

Yes, laser vision surgery can now correct astigmatism.

Discover if you could be free from glasses and contacts

Everyone deserves a life free from glasses and contacts, but not everyone is suitable. The best way to find out if vision correction is right for you is to book a free laser assessment. You’ll get a clear and honest answer on your suitability and treatment options.

Discover if you could be free from glasses and contacts

Everyone deserves a life free from glasses and contacts, but not everyone is suitable. The best way to find out if vision correction is right for you is to book a free laser assessment. You’ll get a clear and honest answer on your suitability and treatment options.

Do glasses or contact lenses hold you back?

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My glasses and contacts get in the way of my active lifestyle

We are blessed with gorgeous coasts, unbeatable landscapes and unique wildlife, but what’s the point if poor vision and glasses are forever getting in your way? Discover the best treatment to free you from the limitations of glasses and contact lenses.

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I’m fed up with glasses and contacts

Do you feel a bit restricted when wearing your glasses or when your eyes feel dry from your contact lenses? No one should have to feel uncomfortable trying to see. Feel more comfortable and confident with natural vision.

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I’m fed up with glasses and contacts but have been turned down for laser eye surgery

Do you want to ditch the sometimes limiting nature of glasses and contacts but have been told you’re unsuitable for laser eye surgery? Implantable contact lenses might be an ideal solution.

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3 easy steps to free yourself from glasses and contacts

Laser vision correction options can be confusing. We’ve made the journey as straightforward as can be

Get in touch

Not everyone is suitable for laser eye surgery. The first step is to get a clear answer on whether laser eye surgery can help you or not. Give our friendly team a call on 0800 99 2020 or use our easy online calendar to book a free laser assessment.

We’ll meet

At your assessment, we’ll answer your questions and give you a clear and honest recommendation based on your lifestyle. You’ll leave with a  confident understanding of the best eye treatment option for your unique eyes.

Enjoy freedom

After treatment, New Zealanders across the country tell us how surprised they are by how quickly their life changed. They also mention that they wish they had done it years earlier! When people say yes to eye treatment, they say yes to a new life, free from the limitation of glasses and contacts!

Watch the best patient education videos on laser eye surgery in New Zealand

Get a quick overview of everything you need to know about gaining visual freedom

Additional resources on treating refractive errors

Follow the links below to learn more about treating astigmatism from authoritative sources.

Astigmatism is a common condition in which the surface of the eye, or cornea, is not curved in the normal way, leading to blurred vision.

The abnormal curve of the cornea means that when light enters the eye, it is not correctly focused on the retina, resulting in an unclear image.

Astigmatism may also be caused by an irregularly shaped lens, located behind the cornea. Click here to read more.

Astigmatism can usually be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Refractive surgery is one of the less common astigmatism correction options, however, since it is a laser procedure that changes the shape of your eyes, it comes with risks associated with most surgeries.

Astigmatism should be treated as soon as possible. Once diagnosed, regular visits to an optician are required as astigmatism can fluctuate over time, making it necessary for prescriptions to be modified. Click here to read more.

If you have limbal relaxing incisions for astigmatism with cataract surgery, does it change the recovery process of the surgery? Click here to find the answer.

Note: These links will take you off our website

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